Applicator for fluids



Aug. 5, 1969 L. T. FEARS 3,459,432

APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS Filed July 18, 197

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG-5 ATTORNEY FIG L. T. FEARS APPLI CATOR FOR FLUIDS Aug. 5, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 18, 1967 INVENTOR LOWELL T. FEARS BY mm ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,459,482 APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS Lowell T. Fears, Council Bluffs, Iowa, assignor to Miracle Mask, Inc., Omaha, Nebn, a corporation of Nebraska Filed July 18, 1967, Ser. No. 654,219 Int. Cl. A46!) 15/00; A471 1/00; B44d 3/28 US. Cl. 40115 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to applicator devices for fluids. In particular this invention relates to an applicator for applying a removably adherent shield layer onto the border areas of a transparent window pane immediately adjacent to, but specifically excluding, the surrounding frame of the window pane whereby the frame may be subsequently painted without attendant paint application upon the border areas of the glass pane itself.

Window structures of buildings and transportation vehicles typically comprise a glass or other visually transparent panel surrounded by an integral frame which holds the transparent pane in the desired position. It is normally desired to provide a topical adherent protective layer, such as paint, varnish, and the like, for the surrounding frame, and the topical protective layer for the frame should be applied only to the frame, but not to the transparent panel so as not to detract from the transparency and aesthetic appearance of the glass or other transparent pane. In the prior art the transparent pane is commonly temporarily shielded at its border areas immediately adjacent to the surrounding frame by means of a removably adherent masking tape that is applied upon the pane border areas prior to the application of paint or other topical adherent protective layer to the window frame. Thus, the masking tape temporarily shields the transparent pane border areas during the painting operation, and accidental paint application inwardly of the surrounding frame toward the pane is caught by the masking tape, said masking tape and paint droppings thereon being ultimately removed from the pane to provide a clean paintfree pane. The primary disadvantage of masking tape shields lies in the ditficulty of applying adherent tapes to the transparent panes along the exact linear juncture between the pane and the surrounding frame; the shield must be applied as close as possible to said linear juncture, yet not applied outwardly beyond said juncture onto the frame, so as to facilitate an aesthetically appealing neat paint application onto the window frame.

More recently, the art has developed so-called liquid masking tapes e.g. lacquer masks comprising a uni-phase mixture of a resinous substance and a volatile solvent and/ or diluent therefor, said fluid lacquer being applied onto the border areas of the transparent pane. Upon volatilization of the solvent and/or diluent liquid carrier component of the fluid lacquer, the residual solid resinous portion provides a removably adherent film-like shield layer on the border areas of the transparent pane, analogously to the temporary shield provided by the conventional masking tapes. A serious disadvantage associated with the use of lacquer masks is the difficulty of applying them onto the pane exceedingly close to the linear juncture between the transparent pane and the surrounding frame. Another disadvantage for lacquer masks is rooted in their required chemical incompatibility with paints, varnishes, and other conventional topical protective layers; accidental application of lacquer masks onto the frame to be painted thereafter detracts seriously from the paintability of the frame, and hence, from the frames aesthetic appearance and durability. Brushes and other fluid appliice cators of the prior art have not been sufliciently suited to the required exacting task of applying lacquer masks exceedingly close to the linear juncture between the transparent pane and the surrounding frame without accidental application onto the frame to be painted. The fluid applicators of the prior art are especially deficient at the corner junctures of rectangular windows comprising substantially rectangular transparent panes surrounded by a rectangular four-cornered frame, the four-cornered rectangular window structures being the prevalent type likely to be encountered.

It is a general object of the present invention to overcome the several disadvantages heretofore associated with the application of lacquer type shield masks used in conjunction with applying paint and other topical adherent protective layers to window frames.

It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a fluid applicator device that is adapted for the application of removably adherent lacquer masks onto the border areas of a transparent window pane, extremely close to the linear juncture between the pane and the surrounding frame, and yet without attendant damaging application thereof onto the frame to be painted.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid applicator device fulfilling the objectives of the preceeding paragraph even at the four interior corners of the prevalent type rectangular windows comprising a rectangular transparent pane surrounded by a rectangular frame having four interior corners.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid applicator device that is of relatively simple and economical manufacture, that is durable and reusable over a long period of time, and that may be easily maintained and cleaned between uses thereof.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view, which will become more apparent as this description proceeds, this invention comprises the novel configuration, combination, and arrangement of parts, as hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein like numbers refer to like parts in the several views and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the fluid applicator device of the present invention shown in preferred form of use in removable combination with a resiliently squeezable hollow container for the fluid to be applied therewith.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the preferred form of the fluid applicator device of the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevational view taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional elevational view taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a top view of a typically encountered rectangular window structure comprising an apparently rectangular transparent pane surrounded by an attached rectangular frame having four interior corners, said pane having been provided with a removably adherent shield with the fluid applicator device of the present invention.

Although it is not desired to limit the utility of the fluid applicator device 10 of the present invention to the application of lacquer masks to the border areas of apparently rectangular transparent window panes, nor even to transparent panels, the applicator device 10 is especially desirable for the application of uniphase mixtures of a removably adherent masking material and a fluid carrier therefor to border areas of rectangular window structures. Accordingly, the typically encountered rectangular window structure exemplified in FIGURE 5 will be described before the applicator device itself is described in detail. The rectangular window structure of FIGURE 5 comprises an apparently rectangular transparent pane 91 having a pair of substantially planar and parallel opposed broad surfaces. Transparent pane 91 is surrounded by an integrally attached frame 92 comprising four peripheral boundaries AD to provide a rectangular linear junction between the frame 92 and pane 91, said linear juncture including four interior corners 93-96 for frame 92. Shown along the 'border areas of pane 91 adjacent to its linear juncture with frame 92 is a removably adherent shield layer 99 that has been applied with the fluid applicator device of the present invention.

Fluid applicator device 10 comprises a base member 11 having a longitudinal central axis 12, said base member 11 having a forward end 13 and a rearward end 14. Transverse forward end 13 of base member 11 is substantially planar and perpendicular to longitudinal central axis 12. Base member 11 includes an internal bore 19 along axis 12, said axial bore 19 commencing at base member rearward end 14 and extending forwardly therefrom for a finite distance whereby a transverse partition 17 of finite thickness exists between the forward extremeity 19F of axial bore 19 and 'base member transverse forward end 13. The laterally-disposed peripheral extremities of base member forward end 13 preferably comprise a 270 circular are together with a pair of substantially perpendicular peripheral-sides 15, said peripheral-sides 15 being herein tangent to the respective termini of said 270 circular arc and also intersecting at a right-angle corner 16. As is aptly illustrated in FIG- URES 2 and 4, right-angle corner 16 is disposed laterally outwardly from the nearest or proximal wall of axial bore 19, said axial bore proximal wall being defined as intersecting an imaginary line connecting longitudinal axis 12 and right-angle corner 16. Thus, the base member forward end 13, which is forwardly offset with respect to the forward extremity 19E of axial bore 19, can be seen to comprise a circular portion concentric about axial bore 19 and a generally triangular portion defined by mutually-perpendicular peripheral-sides 15 and the said circular portion. For reasons to be explained later in reference to resiliently squeezeable container 80, internal axial bore 19 is threaded commencing at base member rearward end 14.

Base member 11 integrally includes a pair of laterally extending side flanges 18 positioned immediately rearwardly of the respective peripheral-sides 15 whereby the said side flanges 18 provide a rearwardly positioned structural support for that generally triangular portion of partition 17 defined substantially by peripheral-sides 15 and the proximal quadrant of axial bore 19. As can be seen in FIGURES 2 and 4, a finite spatial gap 18A exists immediately laterally inwardly of the intersection of panellike side flanges 18 at corner 16. Moreover, as is evident in FIGURE 4, the front-to-rear length of side flanges 18 is substantially equal to the distance between the base member forward and rearwardends 13 and 14, respectively.

Transverse partition 17 is multi-perforate in the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to base member longitudinal axis 12 whereby fluid is permitted to travel forwardly through said multi-perforate partition 17 into a laminar liquid-absorbing pad 20 integrally attached to base member forward end 13. For example, as illustrated in the FIGURE 2 top plan view, partition 17 and pad 20 are each provided with a given number e.g. twelve, of aligned perforations 9. It is important that the amount of fluid flowing forwardly through multi-perforate barrier 17 be delivered at substantially the same rate to all portions of pad 20, including the cornered portion of pad 20 extending into that generally triangular portion defined by peripheral-sides 15 and the proximal quadrant of axial bore 19. Thus, the degree of longitudinal porosity of base member transverse partition 17 is at its maximum between longitudinal axis 12 and corner 16. For example, at least one enlarged perforation 9A, of larger crosssectional dimensions than the remaining eleven equallydimensioned perforations 9, may be utilized to supply suflicient amounts of fluid to the said generally triangular region immediately adjacent to corner 16. Desirably, as is shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, said at least one enlarged perforation 9A is positioned along an imaginary line connecting axis 12 and corner 16. Moreover, said at least one enlarged perforation 9A is positioned forwardly of and in intersecting relationship with the proximal wall of axial bore 19 whereby fluid is permitted to flow forwardly through said at least one perforation 9A thence laterally outwardly therefrom toward corner 16. Pad 20 is provided with a matching aligned perforation at 9A whereby the fluid may be supplied to that generally triangular or cornered portion of pad 20 immediately adjacent to corner 16. Another manner for maximizing the degree of longitudinal porosity of partition 17 between axis 12 and corner 16 would be to utilize a high population density of small perforations immediately adjacent to the axial bore proximal wall, i.e. that bore wall adjacent to corner 16.

As can be seen in the drawing, particularly in FIG- URE 2, the laminar liquid-absorbing pad 20 is integrally attached (as by means of an appropriate adhesive) to base member forward end 13, and the laterally disposed peripheral extremities of pad 20 are substantially conterminous, although slightly inwardly offset of, the laterally disposed peripheral extremities of base member forward end 13. Transverse forward end 23 of pad 20 is substantially perpendicular with respect to base member axis 12. The laminar liquid-absorbing pad 20 is preferably of a pile-type fabric comprising a flexible rearward web 24 and an array of rearwardly-compressible hair-like pile extending forwardly of the rearward web 24; the forward end of said array of hair-like pile provides transverse forward end surface 23 of pad 20. As indicated in FIG- URES 2 and 3, web portion 24 is integrally attached (as by mechanical fastening or by an appropriate adhesive) to base member forward end 13. As previously alluded to, pad web 24 is provided with perforations in alignment with partition perforations e.g. 9, 9A, whereby fluid is permitted to flow from a suitable source e.g. 80, into the liquid absorbing pile. Finally, as will be explained later in more detail, the forward ends 32 of the respective shields 30 are positioned between pad forward end 23 and base member forward end 13, and the pile length is not sufliciently long to contact either shield 30 when said pile is laterally extended toward the shields 30 (as when pad 20 is rearwardly compressed toward rearward end 14). In the event that oblique shields e.g. 30, are not employed, the pile should never extend beyond the peripheral sides 15, as pad 20 is rearwardly compressed.

An important component of the present invention is the pair of forwardly-extending relatively-thin oblique shields 30 integrally attached to base member 11 rearwardly of forward end 13. Each of the oblique shields 30 has a pair of opposed broad surfaces including inward surface 36 nearer to axis 12 and outward surface 31 remote of axis 12, and also a forward end or extremity 32 between opposed surfaces 31 and 36. Outward surface 31 and forward end 32 are preferably planar whereby the intersection of outward surface 31 and edge 32 is as a linear edge 33. Shields 30 are laterally resiliently deflectable inwardly toward axis 12, as indicated in phantom line in FIGURE 3, and shields 30 are laterally resiliently deflectable in said inward direction by substantially like degrees upon the exertion of a given lateral forace directed upon the outward surface 31 inwardly toward axis 12. The like laterally deflectable properties for shields 30 may be attained by providing thin shields 30 of substantially equal transverse dimensions and by molding the shields 30 and the base 11 as one integral structurally-continuous piece from a resilient resinous structural material. In the preferred illustrated embodiment wherein the shields 30 have a planar inward surface 36 and wherein said surface 36 of the respective shields is oblique with respect to peripheral-sides 15, a transverse web 35 connects the respective shields to base member 11 at the respective peripheral-sides 15, said elements 11, 30, and 35 being desireably of structurally-continuous integral relationship. Preferably, shields 30 are of such transverse thinness that the planar forward end 32 and intersecting edge 33 are practically visually indistinguishable. The forward extremities 32 of said shields 30 are substantially parallel to the respective peripheral-sides 15 of base member 11.

The forward ends or extremities 32 of shields 30 are substantially coplanar with respect to each other, and ends 32 are recessed a small finite distance rearwardly of pad forward extremity 23, for example, on the order of about inch. The forward ends 32 of the respective shields are substantially perpendicular to each other and are physically separated laterally outwardly from the base member forward extremity 13 by substantially equal finite distances. Thus, there is a spatial gap between the edge 33 of shields 30 and pad 20 whereby the resiliently deflectable shield 30 may be laterally flexibly displaced as indicated in phantom line of FIGURE 3. The adjacent terminal ends 34 of shields 30 are normally separated by a finite spatial gap whereby the respective shields 30 are independently laterally deflectable inwardly toward the base member 11. Moreover, said finite spatial gap between the adjacent terminal ends 34 lie along an imaginary line connecting axis 12 and corner 16.

Applicator device may be optionally employed in physical combination across the relatively narrow tubular neck of a hollow container, as for example bore 19 being threadedly engaged with the externally threaded neck 81 of resiliently squeezeable hollow container 80. The resiliently squeezeable nature of the hollow container in removable combination with fluid applicator device 10 is schematically indicated in phantom line in FIGURE 1. Preferably, the transverse width of the resiliently squeezeable container 80 immediately rearwardly of its tubular neck portion 81 does not exceed the distance between base member axis 12 and base member peripheral-side 15. In this manner, the container 80 is not apt to strike frame 92 so as not to impair the proper function of applicator 10, especially in regard to the function of peripheral-sides 15, corner 16, and the laterally deflectable shields 30.

Operation of the fluid applicator device 10 will now be described. If it is desired to utilize fluid applicator 10 alone, and not in physical combination with a hollow container source for the fluid, the device is grasped manually at the rearward end 14 of base member 11. The liquid absorbing laminar pad portion 20 is dipped into a reservoir of the fluid to be applied by device 10, pad forward end 23 is pressed against the panel to be fluid treated, and while said pressure is maintained device 10 is translated across the panel surface to leave a trail of fluid therealong. When the fluid supply is depleted from pad 20, said pad 20 must be redipped into the fluid reservoir, and the re-dipping step is repeated each time the fluid supply has been depleted from pad 20 onto the panel to be treated.

The application of volatile fluid masks to the border areas of a rectangular transparent window pane 91 as a narrow strip 99 along the rectangular linear juncture between pane 91 and four-cornered frame 92 may be accomplished as follows. Forward end 23 of liquid-absorbing pad 20 is dipped into the lacquer-type fluid mask. Applicator forward end 23 is pressed against pane 91 adjacent to frame element A between frame corners 93 and 94; one shield 30 firmly abuts frame element A to deflect said first shield toward base 11 with the edge 33 thereof being at the linear juncture between pane 91 and frame element A, while the second shield 30 is positioned substantially'parallel to frame element B. Moreover, elongate axis 12 of fluid applicator device 10 is maintained substantially perpendicular to planar pane 91, and the planar forward end 23 of longitudinally rearwardly compressible pad 20 is pressed against pane 91 to the extent that forward end 23 becomes coplanar with shield forward ends 32 thereby transferring a portion of the fluid to the pane surface. While the operating conditions of the previous two sentences are maintained, applicator device is translated parallel to the linear juncture between pane 91 and frame element A toward corner 94, thus leavin a trail of fluid 99 along frame element A. Upon reaching corner 94, second shield 30 is abutted firmly against frame element B to deflect said second shield 30 toward base 11 with the edge 33 thereof being at the linear juncture between pane 91 and frame element B with the adjacent terminal ends 34 being pressed together and against pad 20 and corner 16 whereby the application of fluid deeply within corner '94, is attained. The procedure of the previous for sentences is repeated along frame element B except that the first shield is abutted against frame element B and the second shield is positioned substantially parallel to frame element C. Upon reaching the frame corner 95, the aforesaid procedure is repeated analogous along frame elements C and D. Upon volatilization of the liquid portion of the fluid mask, a removably adherent mask 99 is provided for the peripheral border areas of pane 91 preparatory to the subsequent application of paint or other topical protective layer to frame 92.

When the procedure of the preceeding two paragraphs is employed the forward surface 23 of fluid applicator device 10 must be repeatedly dipped into a reservoir of the fluid. However, if the device is attached over the open end of an inverted hollow container, such re-dipping is unnecessary. Preferably the resiliently squeezeable container is utilized since the amount of fluid dispensed can be conveniently regulated by the degree of squeezing pressure manually exerted upon container 80. Removable attachment between device 10 and resiliently squeezeable container 80 allows convenient refilling of said container 80 and also flushing or cleaning of device 10 with an appropriate solvent charged into container 80.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the fluid applicator device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A fluid applicator device for applying a fluid layer upon the framed rectangular panel of a framed structure comprising a generally rectangular panel integrally surrounded by a four-cornered rectangular frame, said fluid applicator device being adapted for application of a fluid upon the border areas of the rectangular panel immediately adjacent to the rectangular frame including at the interior corners of the rectangular frame without attendant application of the fluid to the peripheral rectangular frame, said fluid applicator device comprising:

(A) A base member having a longitudinal axis extending between the base member forward and rearward ends, said base member forward end being substantially planar and normal to the base member longitudinal axis,

(B) A laminar liquid-absorbing pad attached to the base member forward end, and

(C) A pair of forwardly-extending relatively-thin oblique shields integrally attached to the said base member rearwardly of the forward surface, each of said oblique shields having a forward extremity that is separated a finite distance laterally outwardly from the base member, the forward extremity of the respective shields being substantially co-planar with respect to each other, the forward extremities of the respective shields being substantially perpendicular to each other, the said respective shields being resiliently inwardly deflectable toward the base member by substantially like degrees upon the exertion of a given force directed laterally upon the shields inwardly toward the base member, the adjacent exteremities of the said pair of shields being normally separated by a finite spacial gap whereby the respective shields are independently laterally deflectable inwardly toward the base member.

2. The fluid applicator device of claim 1 in removable combination with the tubular neck portion of a transversely resiliently squeezeable hollow container having a relatively narrow tubular neck portion; wherein the fluid applicator base member includes an internal threaded bore along the longitudinal axis of the base member, said internal axial bore commencing at the rearward end of the base member and extending forwardly therefrom for a finite distance whereby a transverse partition exists between the forward extremity of said threaded bore and the base member transverse forward end, said transverse partition being multi-perforate in the longitudinal direction parallel to the base member longitudinal axis whereby fluid is permitted to travel forwardly from the hollow container through the partition perforations into the liquid-absorbing transverse pad; and wherein the degree of said longitudinal porosity of the base member transverse partition is at its maximum between the base member longitudinal axis and the adjacent extremities of said shields.

3. The fluid applicator device of claim 1 wherein the base member includes an internal bore along the base member longitudinal axis, said internal axial bore commencing at the base member rearward end and extending forwardly therefrom for a finite distance whereby a transverse partition of finite thickness exists between the forward extremity of said bore and the base member transverse forward end; wherein the laterally-disposed peripheral extremities of the base member transverse forward end includes a pair of substantially perpendicular peripheral-sides intersecting at an intervening right-angle corner, said pair of peripheral-sides and intervening right-angle corner being disposed laterally outwardly from the proximal wall of the base member axial bore; wherein said base member transverse partition is multi-perforate in the longitudinal direction between the base member forward end and the axial bore forward extremity whereby fluid is permitted to flow forwardly from the axial bore to the base member transverse forward end, the degree of said longitudinal porosity of the base member transverse partition being at its maximum between the base member longitudinal axis and the right-angle corner of the base member transverse partition; and wherein the laminar liquidabsorbing pad is substantial conterminous with the substantially perpendicular peripheral-sides of the base member transverse foward end whereby the forward extremity of the respective oblique shields is separated a finite distance laterally outwardly from the liquid-absorbing pad and also outwardly from the said intersecting peripheralsides of the base member transverse forward end.

4. The fluid applicator device of claim 3 wherein the internal axial bore of the base member is threaded; wherein the base member integrally includes a pair of laterally extending side flanges positioned rearwardly of the peripheral-sides of the base member transverse forward end whereby the said side flanges provide a rearwardly positioned structural support for that generally triangular portion of the base member transverse partition disposed between the said right-angle corner and the proximal wall of the base member threaded axial bore; wherein at least one of the perforations of the base member transverse partition is positioned substantially along a line connecting the said right-angle corner and the proximal wall of the base member threaded axial bore, said at least one perforation being positioned forwardly of and in intersecting relationship with said proximal wall whereby fluid is permitted to flow forwardly through said at least one perforation and thence laterally outwardly therefrom toward the said right-angle corner; wherein the laminar liquid-absorbing pad comprises a pile-type fabric including a rearward web and an array of rearwardly-compressible hair-like pile extending forwardly of the rearward web portion, said rearward web portion being integrally attached to the base member transverse forward end, said rearward web portion being longitudinally perforate in alignment with perforations of the base member transverse partition, the forward surface of the laminar liquidabsorbing pile-type fabric being substantially perpendicular to the base member longitudinal axis; wherein said oblique shields are respectively substantially parallel to the said peripheral-sides of the base-member forward end; and wherein the forward extremity of the respective shields are disposed between the forward end of the base member and the forward surface of said pile-type fabric.

5. The fluid applicator device of claim 3 wherein the fluid applicator device is removably attached to the externally threaded tubular neck portion of a transversely squeezeable hollow container having a relatively narrow tubular neck portion; wherein the internal axial bore of the base member is threaded; and wherein the transverse Width of the hollow container immediately rearwardly of its externally threaded tubular neck portion does not exceed the distance between the base member longitudinal axis and a peripheral-side of the base member transverse forward end.

6. A fluid applicator device for applying a fluid layer upon the framed rectangular panel of a framed structure comprising a generally rectangular panel integrally surrounded by a four-cornered rectangular frame, said fluid applicator device being adapted for application of a fluid upon border areas of the rectangular panel immediately adjacent to the rectangular frame including at the interior corners of the rectangular frame without appreciable attendant application of the fluid upon the peripheral rectangular frame, said fluid applicator device comprising:

(A) A base member having a longitudinal axis extending between the base member forward and rearward ends; the base member forward end being substantially planar and perpendicular to the base member longitudinal axis; said base member including an internal bore along the base member longitudinal axis, said internal axial bore commencing at the rearward end of the base member and extending forwardly therefrom for a finite distance whereby a transverse partition of a finite thickness exists between the forward extremity of said bore and the base member transverse forward end; the laterally-disposed peripheral extremities of the base member transverse forward end including a pair of substantially perpendicular peripheral-sides and an intervening right-angle corner, said pair of peripheral-sides and intervening right-angle corner being disposed laterally outwardly from the proximal wall of the base member axial bore; said base member transverse partition being multiperforate in the longitudinal direction between the base member forward end and the axial bore forward extremity whereby fluid is permitted to flow forwardly from the axial bore to the base member transverse forward end, the degree of said longitudinal porosity of the base member transverse partition being at its maximum between the base member longitudinal axis and the right-angle corner of the base member transverse partition; and

(B) A laminar liquid-absorbing pad integrally attached to the base member forward end, said laminar liquidabsorbing pad being substantially conterminous with the substantially perpendicular peripheral-sides of the base member transverse forward end.

7. The fluid applicator device of claim 6 wherein the fluid applicator device is removably attached to the tubu lar neck portion of a transversely resilient squeezable hollow container having a relatively narrow neck portion, the upper extremity of the hollow container tubular neck portion extending into the axial bore of the base member; and wherein the transverse width of the hollow container immediately rearwardly of its tubular neck portion does not exceed the distance between the base member longitudinal axis and a peripheral-side of the base member transverse forward end.

8. The fluid applicator device of claim 6 wherein the internal axial bore of the base member is threaded; wherein the base member integrally includes a pair of laterally extending side flanges positioned rearwardly of the periph eral-sides of the base member transverse forward end whereby the said side flanges provide a rearwardly positioned structural support for the generally triangular portion of the base member transverse partition disposed between the said right-angle corner and the proximal wall of the base member threaded axial bore; wherein at least one of the perforations of the base member transverse partition is positioned substantially along a line connecting the said right-angle corner and the proximal wall of the base member threaded axial bore, said at least one perforation being positioned forwardly of and in intersecting relationship with said proximal wall whereby fluid is permitted to flow forwardly through said at least one perforation and thence laterally outwardly therefrom toward the said right-angle corner; wherein the laminar liquidabsorbing pad comprises a pile-type fabric including a rearward web and an array of rearwardly-compressible hair-like pile extending forwardly of the rearward web portion, said rearward web portion being integrally attached to the base member transverse forward end, said rearward web portion being longitudinally perforate in alignment with perforations of the base member transverse partition, the forward surface of the laminar liquidabsorbing pile-type fabric being substantially perpendicular to the base member longitudinal axis; and a pair of forwardly-extending relatively-thin oblique shields integrally attached to the said base member rearwardly of the base member transverse forward end, said oblique shields being respectively substantially parallel to the said peripheral-sides of the base member forward end, each of said oblique shields having a forward extremity that is separated a finite distance laterally outwardly from the base member, the forward extremity of the respective shields being substantially co-planar with respect to each other, the forward extremities of the respective shields being substantially perpendicular to each other, the said respective shields being resiliently inwardly deflectable toward the base member by substantially like degrees upon the exertion of a given force directed laterally upon the shields inwardly toward the base member, the adjacent extremities of the said pair of shields being normally separated by a finite spacial gap wherein the respective shields are independently laterally deflectable inwardly toward the base member, said finite gap between the adjacent extremities of said shields being disposed laterally outwardly from the right-angle corner of the base member transverse forward end, and the forward extremity of the respective shields being disposed between the forward end of the base member and the forward surface of said pile-type fabric.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,477,777 8/1949 Williams l14 3,023,443 3/ 1962 Brandeis 401-15 X 3,274,637 9/1966 Schulze 401-15 X EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner H. S. SKOGQUIST, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 15220; 40l266 

